National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration June 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Marine Mammals; File No. 978-1567
Document Number: E6-10327
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Paul Nachtigall, Ph.D., University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, P.O. Box 1346, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 978-1567-01.
Endangered Species; Permits No. 1489, 1505, and 1516
Document Number: E6-10315
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the following individuals have been issued scientific research permits to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum): Dr. James P. Kirk (Permit Holder and Principal Investigator), United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Lab (ATTN: EE-A), 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180 (Permit No. 1489); Mr. Douglas W. Cooke (Permit Holder and Principal Investigator), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Freshwater Fisheries Section, P.O. Drawer 190 - 305 Black Oak Road, Bonneau, SC 29431 (Permit No. 1505); and Mr. Thomas F. Savoy (Permit Holder and Principal Investigator), Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Marine Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 (Permit No. 1516).
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Extension of Emergency Fishery Closure Due to the Presence of the Toxin that Causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Document Number: 06-5936
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-06-30
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The regulations contained in the temporary rule, emergency action, published on October 18, 2005, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and that were subsequently extended on December 28, 2005, expire on June 30, 2006. This temporary rule extends the closure through December 31, 2006. The FDA has determined that current oceanographic conditions and alga sampling data suggests that the northern section of the Temporary Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) Closure Area remain closed to the harvest of bivalve molluscan shellfish and that the southern area remain closed to the harvest of whole or roe-on scallops.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
Document Number: E6-10190
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject exempted fishing permit (EFP) application from the East Coast Pelagic Association (ECPA) that would allow herring vessels to possess haddock while testing modified mid-water herring trawls designed to reduce haddock bycatch contains all the required information and warrants further consideration. The Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Herring and Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP.
Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves
Document Number: 06-5826
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performances of the Old Woman Creek (Ohio) National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Connecticut Coastal Management Program, and the New Hampshire Coastal Management Program. The Coastal Zone Management Program evaluations will be conducted pursuant to section 312 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended (CZMA) and regulations at 15 CFR part 923, subpart L. The National Estuarine Research Reserve evaluation will be conducted pursuant to sections 312 and 315 of the CZMA and regulations at 15 CFR part 921, subpart E and part 923, subpart L. The CZMA requires continuing review of the performance of states with respect to coastal program implementation. Evaluation of Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves requires findings concerning the extent to which a state has met the national objectives, adhered to its Coastal Management Program document or Reserve final management plan approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and adhered to the terms of financial assistance awards funded under the CZMA. Each evaluation will include a site visit, consideration of public comments, and consultations with interested Federal, state, and local agencies and members of the public. A public meeting will be held as part of the site visit. Notice is hereby given of the dates of the site visits for the listed evaluations, and the dates, local times, and locations of the public meeting during the site visits.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Amendment 11
Document Number: 06-5816
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 11 to the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which changes the framework for the annual apportionment of the Pacific sardine harvest guideline along the U.S. Pacific coast. The purpose of this final rule is to achieve optimal utilization of the Pacific sardine resource and equitable allocation of the harvest opportunity for Pacific sardine.
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 1034-1854 and 1070-1783
Document Number: 06-5815
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that applications have been received for a permit and a permit amendment for scientific research on marine mammals.
Marine Mammals; File No. 984-1814
Document Number: 06-5814
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Dr. Terrie Williams, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Ocean Health - Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 has been issued a permit to conduct research on Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii).
Availability of Seats for the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 06-5783
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-29
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Conservation (Alternate) and At- Large (Member). Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the Sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve two-year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish, Crab, Salmon, and Scallop Fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area and Gulf of Alaska
Document Number: 06-5761
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-06-28
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a final rule implementing Amendments 78 and 65 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI), Amendments 73 and 65 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), Amendments 16 and 12 to the FMP for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs, Amendments 7 and 9 to the FMP for the Scallop Fishery off Alaska, and Amendments 7 and 8 to the FMP for Salmon Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone off the Coast of Alaska. These amendments revise the FMPs by identifying and describing essential fish habitat (EFH), designating habitat areas of particular concern (HAPC), and include measures to minimize to the extent practicable adverse effects on EFH. This action is necessary to protect important habitat features to sustain managed fish stocks.
Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Amendment 18
Document Number: E6-10114
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-06-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this proposed rule to implement Amendment 18 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Amendment 18 is intended to respond to a court order by setting the Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council's) bycatch minimization policies and requirements into the FMP. This rule would implement new standardized bycatch reporting methodology and bycatch minimization requirements for groundfish fisheries off the U.S. West Coast.
Endangered Species; File No. 1557
Document Number: E6-10113
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that Molly Lutcavage, Department of Zoology, 177 A Spaulding Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824-2617, has been issued a permit to take leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) for purposes of scientific research.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Recordkeeping and Reporting; Tagged Pacific Halibut and Tagged Sablefish
Document Number: E6-10111
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-06-27
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues a final rule to exclude tagged halibut and tagged sablefish catches from deduction from fishermen's Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) and from Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) accounts. This action is necessary to ensure that only halibut and sablefish that are tagged with an external research tag are excluded from IFQ deduction, and to extend the same exclusion to halibut and sablefish harvested under the CDQ Program. This action is intended to improve administration of the IFQ and CDQ Programs, to enhance collection of scientific data from external tags, and to further the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI), the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMPs), and the halibut management program.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Harbor Activities Related to the Delta IV/Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA
Document Number: E6-10044
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In accordance with the provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to The Boeing Company (Boeing) to take small numbers of marine mammals, by Level B harassment, incidental to harbor activities related to the Delta IV/Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) at south Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA (VAFB).
Endangered Fish and Wildlife; Proposed Rule to Implement Speed Restrictions to Reduce the Threat of Ship Collisions with North Atlantic Right Whales
Document Number: 06-5669
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-06-26
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement speed restrictions on vessels 65 ft (19.8 m) or greater in overall length in certain locations and at certain times of the year along the east coast of the U.S. Atlantic seaboard. The purpose of this proposed rule is to reduce the likelihood of deaths and serious injuries to endangered North Atlantic right whales that result from collisions with ships. These measures are part of NMFS' Ship Strike Reduction Strategy to help recover the North Atlantic right whale. NMFS is requesting comments on the proposed regulations.
Fisheries in the Western Pacific; Omnibus Amendment for the Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish Fisheries, Crustacean Fisheries, and Precious Coral Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region
Document Number: E6-9966
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-06-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This proposed rule would amend three fishery management plans to include fisheries and waters around the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Pacific Remote Island Areas (PRIA). These amendments affect United States domestic fisheries that offload or operate in Federal waters around the CNMI and the PRIA. These amendments would establish new permitting and reporting requirements for vessel operators targeting bottomfish species around the PRIA to improve understanding of the ecology of these species and the activities and harvests of the vessel operators that target them. They would also establish new permitting and reporting requirements for vessel operators targeting crustacean species and precious corals around the CNMI and PRIA.
Hydrographic Services Review Panel membership Solicitation
Document Number: 06-5633
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This notice is to solicit candidates needed to replace voting members of the HSRP for the remainder of calendar year 2006, and supplements a notice published on January 12, 2006, to obtain candidates to replace five of the voting members of the HSRP whose appointments expire in 2006. Individuals who have submitted resumes in response to the January 12, 2006, notice do not need to submit resumes again. Individuals who have not submitted resumes in response to the January 12, 2006, notice may submit resumes at any time during the calendar year. Decisions on HSRP membership can be made at any time during the calendar year, and resumes will not be considered unless they are received ten days before each decision date. The Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2002, Public Law 107-372, requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to solicit nominations for membership on the HSRP. The HSRP advises the Under Secretary on matters related to section 303 of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998, (the Act) and other appropriate matters the Under Secretary refers to the HSRP for review and advice.
Sea Turtle Conservation; Modification to Fishing Activities
Document Number: 06-5608
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-06-23
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is requiring that any offshore pound net leader in the Virginia waters of the mainstem Chesapeake Bay, south of 37[deg]19.0' N. lat. and west of 76[deg]13.0' W. long., and all waters south of 37[deg]13.0' N. lat. to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, and the James and York Rivers downstream of the first bridge in each tributary, during the period of May 6 through July 15, meet the definition of a modified pound net leader. Without this final rule, existing regulations would continue to prohibit all offshore pound net leaders in that area during that time frame. An offshore pound net leader refers to a leader with the inland end set greater than 10 horizontal feet (3 m) from the mean low water line. While restrictions promulgated in 2004 on pound net leaders in the Virginia waters of the Chesapeake Bay outside the aforementioned area remain in effect, this final rule creates an exception to those restrictions by allowing the use of modified pound net leaders in this area. This action, taken under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), responds to new information generated by gear research. It is intended to conserve sea turtles listed as threatened under the ESA and to help enforce the provisions of the ESA, including the provisions against takes of endangered species, while enabling fishermen to use leaders, an important component of pound net gear, during the regulated period.
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Surf Zone Testing/Training and Amphibious Vehicle Training and Weapons Testing
Document Number: E6-9882
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
On November 29, 2005, NMFS received a request from Eglin Air Force Base (Eglin AFB), for authorization to harass marine mammals, incidental to conducting surf zone testing/training and amphibious vehicle training and weapons testing off the coast of Santa Rosa Island (SRI). As a result of this request, NMFS is proposing to issue a 1-year authorization to take marine mammals by Level B harassment incidental to this activity. NMFS will propose regulations at a later date that would govern these incidental takes under a Letter of Authorization (LOA) issued to Eglin for a period of up to 5 years after the 1-year IHA expires. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on the Eglin AFB application and NMFS' proposal to issue an authorization to Eglin AFB to incidentally take, by harassment, two species of cetaceans for a period of 1 year.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Quota Transfer
Document Number: 06-5610
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the State of Florida is transferring 200,000 lb (90,718 kg) of commercial bluefish quota to the State of North Carolina from its 2006 quota. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Yellowfin Sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Document Number: 06-5609
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for yellowfin sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2006 yellowfin sole total allowable catch (TAC) in the BSAI.
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Gulf of Alaska Fishery Resources; Notice of Rockfish Pilot Program Public Workshops
Document Number: 06-5607
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-06-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS will present two public workshops on the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Pilot Program (Program) for potentially eligible participants and other interested parties. At each workshop, NMFS will provide an overview of the proposed Program, discuss the key Program elements, provide information on the proposed rule comment process, and answer questions. NMFS is conducting these public workshops to provide assistance to fishery participants in understanding and reviewing the proposed rule that would implement this new Program.
U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product Prospectus
Document Number: E6-9745
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publish this notice to announce the availability of the draft Prospectus for one of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Synthesis and Assessment Products (Products) for public comment. This draft Prospectus addresses the following CCSP Topic: Product 4.3 The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Biodiversity, Land, and Water Resources After consideration of comments received on the draft Prospectus, the final Prospectus along with the comments received will be published on the CCSP web site.
U.S. Climate Change Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product 2.1
Document Number: E6-9744
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes this notice to announce the availability of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Synthesis and Assessment draft Product 2.1 addressing the CCSP Topic: ``Scenarios of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Atmospheric Concentrations and Review of Integrated Scenario Development and Application'' for public comment. Following the public comment period, the lead authors will revise the Product, taking into consideration the submitted comments. The lead agency will then submit the revised Synthesis and Assessment Product to the CCSP Interagency Committee for approval and eventual release in accordance with the procedure described in the approved Prospectus for Synthesis and Assessment Product 2.1 that is posted on the CCSP Program Office web site: https://www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap2-1/default.htm
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
Document Number: E6-9703
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (Council) Summer Flounder Monitoring Committee, Scup Monitoring Committee, Black Sea Bass Monitoring Committee, and Bluefish Monitoring Committee will hold public meetings.
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit
Document Number: E6-9702
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MADMF) for an exemption from the gear requirements of the Eastern U.S./Canada Area, for the purpose of testing a cod-avoiding haddock trawl, contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The Assistant Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to issue an EFP that would allow vessels to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 43
Document Number: 06-5537
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-06-21
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS proposes regulations to implement Framework Adjustment 43 (Framework 43) to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which was developed by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council). Framework 43 proposes measures to address the incidental catch of NE multispecies by vessels fishing for Atlantic herring. The proposed measures would establish a Herring Exempted Fishery. Vessels issued a Category 1 Atlantic herring fishing permit (Category 1 vessels) would be authorized to possess incidentally caught haddock until the catch of haddock reached the level specified as an incidental haddock catch cap; upon attainment of the haddock catch cap, all herring vessels would be limited to 2,000 lb (907 kg) of herring per trip, if any of the herring on board was caught within the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank (GOM/GB) Herring Exemption Area defined in Framework 43. Herring Category 1 vessels would also be authorized to possess up to 100 pounds (45 kg) of other regulated multispecies (cod, witch flounder, plaice, yellowtail flounder, pollock, winter flounder, windowpane flounder, redfish, and white hake), and would be required to provide advance notification of their intent to land for purposes of enforcement. Atlantic herring processors and dealers that sort herring catches as part of their operations would be required to cull and report all haddock.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Geophysical Surveys in South San Francisco Bay South of the Dumbarton Bridge
Document Number: E6-9679
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-20
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request from the URS Corporation (URS) for an authorization to take small numbers of California sea lions, Pacific harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and gray whales, by harassment, incidental to geographical seismic surveys being conducted by Fugro West, Inc. (Fugro), in south San Francisco Bay. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an authorization to Fugro to incidentally take, by harassment, small numbers of these species of pinnipeds and cetaceans during the next 12 months.
New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-9558
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The New England Fishery Management Council's (Council) Joint Herring Oversight Committee and Advisory Panel will meet to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP)
Document Number: E6-9557
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NMFS (Assistant Regional Administrator) has made a preliminary determination that the subject EFP application submitted by Truex Enterprises contains all the required information and warrants further consideration. The proposed EFP would test the safety and efficacy of harvesting surfclams and ocean quahogs from the Georges Bank Closure Area using a harvesting protocol developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Assistant Regional Administrator has also made a preliminary determination that the activities authorized under the EFP would be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog regulations and Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue the EFP. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to recommend that an EFP be issued that would allow one commercial fishing vessel to conduct fishing operations that are otherwise restricted by the regulations governing the fisheries of the Northeastern United States. The EFP would allow for an exemption from the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog Georges Bank (GB) Closure Area. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 1093-1834 and 774-1847
Document Number: E6-9496
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given of the following two actions related to permits for research on marine mammals: Susan Shaw, PhD., Executive Director, Marine Environmental Research Institute, 55 Main Street, P.O. Box 1652, Blue Hill, ME 04614 (File No. 1093-1834) has withdrawn her application for a permit to conduct research on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) in Maine; and the NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Antarctic Marine Living Resources Program (Rennie Holt, Ph.D., Principal Investigator), 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 (File No. 774-1847) has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on Antarctic fur seals (Arctophalus gazell) and leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx).
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E6-9495
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Permit 1535 was issued on January 10, 2006. Permits 1533 and 1548 were issued on April 11, 2006. All modifications were issued on February 3, 2006. Application 1550 was withdrawn on December 5, 2005. The research actions and the species they affect are listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E6-9493
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received an application to renew a permit from Dr. Lisa Thompson, Davis, CA (Permit (1435). This permit would affect Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast (SONCC) coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). This document serves to notify the public of the availability of the permit application for review and comment before a final approval or disapproval is made by NMFS.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish
Document Number: E6-9492
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that NMFS has received six scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to help guide management and conservation efforts.
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Modification of the Gear Restrictions for the U.S./Canada Management Area
Document Number: 06-5505
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS announces that the Administrator, Northeast (NE) Region, NMFS (Regional Administrator), is modifying the gear restrictions for the U.S./Canada Management Area to require all limited access NE multispecies vessels fishing on a NE multispecies day-at-sea (DAS) with trawl gear in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area to use a haddock separator trawl. A projection based on available catch and discard information indicates that 30 percent of the total allowable catch (TAC) for Georges Bank (GB) cod specified for the Eastern U.S./Canada Area will be harvested by June 20, 2006. This catch rate could result in the harvest of the available TAC specified for GB cod before the end of the 2006 fishing year on April 30, 2007. This action is intended to slow the catch of GB cod in the Eastern U.S./Canada Area to prolong access to the Eastern U.S./Canada Area and to prevent the GB cod TAC specified for the Eastern U.S./Canada Area from being exceeded during the 2006 fishing year. This action is authorized by the regulations implementing Amendment 13 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act).
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Closure of the 2006 Deep-Water Grouper Commercial Fishery
Document Number: 06-5488
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS closes the commercial fishery for deep-water grouper (misty grouper, snowy grouper, yellowedge grouper, warsaw grouper, and speckled hind) in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico. NMFS has determined that the deep-water grouper quota for the commercial fishery will have been reached by June 26, 2006. This closure is necessary to protect the deep-water grouper resource.
Notice of Intent to Conduct Public Scoping and to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement Related to the City of Kent, Washington (WA), Clark Springs Water Supply System Habitat Conservation Plan
Document Number: 06-5487
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-19
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services) advise interested parties of their intent to conduct public scoping under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to gather information to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) related to a permit application from the City of Kent, WA, for the incidental take of listed species. The permit application would be associated with the Clark Springs Water Supply System Habitat Conservation Plan, in Rock Creek, near Kent, WA.
Endangered Species; File No. 1578
Document Number: E6-9501
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Notice is hereby given that the Maine Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) (Gail S. Wippelhauser, Principal Investigator), 21 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 has applied in due form for a permit to take shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) for purposes of scientific research.
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Emergency Rule
Document Number: 06-5504
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-06-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is implementing an observer service provider program for the Atlantic sea scallop (scallop) fishery including criteria for becoming an approved observer service provider, observer certification criteria, decertification criteria, and observer deployment logistics. Through this emergency rule, NMFS is re-activating the industry-funded observer program implemented under the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP) through a scallop total allowable catch (TAC) and days-at-sea (DAS) set-aside program that helps vessel owners defray the cost of carrying observers. Under this emergency action, scallop vessel owners, operators, or vessel managers are required to procure certified fishery observers for specified scallop fishing trips from an approved observer service provider. This emergency rule maintains the existing requirements for scallop vessel owners to pay for observers whether or not scallop TAC or DAS set-aside is available.
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Gulf of Mexico Recreational Grouper Fishery Management Measures
Document Number: E6-9312
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-06-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS issues this final rule to implement the bag limit provisions of a regulatory amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (FMP) prepared by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule will establish a recreational bag limit for Gulf red grouper of one fish per person per day and prohibit the captain and crew of a vessel operating as a charter vessel or headboat from retaining any Gulf grouper, i.e., establish a zero bag limit for captain and crew. The intended effect of this final rule is to help maintain recreational landings at levels consistent with the red grouper rebuilding plan.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southern Resident Killer Whale
Document Number: 06-5439
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-06-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose to designate critical habitat for the Southern Resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) distinct population segment (DPS), which was recently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Three specific areas are proposed for designation: The Summer Core Area in Haro Strait and waters around the San Juan Islands; Puget Sound; and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which comprise approximately 2,564 square miles (6,641 sq km) of marine habitat. We propose to exclude 18 military sites, comprising approximately 112 square miles (291 sq km), because of national security impacts. We are soliciting comments from the public on all aspects of the proposal, including information on the economic, national security, and other relevant impacts of the proposed designation, as well as the benefits to Southern Resident killer whales from designation. A draft economic analysis, biological report, and Section 4(b)(2) report conducted in support of this proposal are also available for public review and comment.
Availability of Seats for the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 06-5422
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the following seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Advisory Council): At-Large for San Francisco/San Mateo Counties (alternate). Education (primary and alternate). Maritime Activities/Recreational (primary and alternate). Research (primary and alternate). Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the Sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve either a two- or three-year term, pursuant to the Advisory Council's Charter.
Maritime Museum Seat Vacancy for the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
Document Number: 06-5421
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS or Sanctuary) is seeking applicants for the Maritime Museum seat on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council). Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the Sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve 2-year terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.
Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan
Document Number: E6-9311
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-06-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS is announcing a public meeting to provide information about the draft Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan (PLTRP) and potential research and monitoring activities that may be initiated this summer in the Mid-Atlantic Bight involving the pelagic longline fishery.
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Notice of Intent, Extension of Public Scoping Period for Intersector Groundfish Allocations
Document Number: E6-9309
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-14
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) announce their intent to extend the public scoping period for an EIS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 to analyze proposals to allocate groundfish among various sectors of the non-tribal Pacific Coast groundfish fishery.
Small Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Movement of Barges through the Beaufort Sea between West Dock and Cape Simpson or Point Lonely, Alaska
Document Number: E6-9215
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NMFS has received a request to authorize FEX L.P. (FEX), a subsidiary of Talisman Energy, Inc. to take small numbers of marine mammals by harassment incidental to conducting a barging operation within the U.S. Beaufort Sea. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to authorize FEX to incidentally take, by harassment, small numbers of bowhead whales, beluga whales, ringed seals, bearded seals, and spotted seals in the above mentioned area between approximately July 1 and November 30, 2006.
Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT); Summer Meeting
Document Number: E6-9212
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In preparation for the 2006 ICCAT meeting, the AdvisoryCommittee to the U.S. Section to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) will have a summer meeting. There will be an open session the morning of Monday June 26, 2006, beginning at 9 am. The remainder of the meeting will be closed to the public.
Marine Mammals and Endangered Species; National Marine Fisheries Service File No. 31-1741; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service File No. MA081663
Document Number: E6-9208
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Notice is hereby given that the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460 (Dr. Howard C. Rosenbaum, Principal Investigator) has requested an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 31-1741/MA081663.
John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program; Main Hawaiian Islands
Document Number: E6-9205
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program (Prescott Grant Program) provides funding to eligible marine mammal stranding network participants to fund the recovery or treatment (i.e., rescue and rehabilitation) of stranded marine mammals, data collection from living or dead stranded marine mammals for scientific research regarding marine mammal health, and facility operations directly related to the recovery or treatment of stranded marine mammals and collection of data from living or dead stranded marine mammals. The Prescott Grant Program is administered through the NMFS Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (MMHSRP). As stranding services have become unavailable in the crucial geographic area of the main Hawaiian Islands, the Prescott Grant Program is making this special announcement to inform the public of the availability of funding up to $200,000 for marine mammal stranding response and rehabilitation activities in this area. The annual competitive cycle of the Prescott Grant Program will be announced separately.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
Document Number: E6-9182
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-06-13
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene one public meeting of the Ad Hoc Shrimp Effort Working Group (SEWG).
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